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Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

10 Days | Stay at a Uruguayan ranch and see one of the world’s largest waterfalls

4.8

Excellent

128 reviews

10 days

Start

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finish

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Trip Code

GGBS

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Plane, local bus, ferry, overnight bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Estancia (3 nights), Overnight Bus (1 night)

From £1,763(10 days)

Trip Informations

Journey along the eastern side of South America on this 10-day adventure from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro. Start by sipping yerba mate and exploring the markets of Argentina’s fiery capital before embracing ranch life with horse rides, homecooked meals and campfires at a Uruguayan estancia. Then swap the dusty plains for the subtropical rainforests at Iguazu Falls and see the epic cascades from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. Finish in Rio, unwinding on the sandy shores of Copacabana and Ipanema with an ice-cold caipirinha.

Why you’ll love this trip

Soak up the cosmopolitan vibes of Buenos Aires and explore the highlights on foot – including the Avenida de Mayo and the San Telmo area filled with markets and murals.

Get to know the gaucho (cowboy) way of life at a traditional estancia (ranch) in Uruguay. Explore the land on horseback, help your hosts make empanadas and feast on a classic asado (barbecue).

Explore the Historic Quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, one of Uruguay’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll cobbled streets lined with vintage cars and rub shoulders with locals sipping yerba mate.

See the mighty Iguazu Falls – the world’s largest waterfall system which straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil – from different vantage points in both countries.

End your trip in Brazil’s famous beachside city: Rio de Janeiro. Make the most of your local leader’s recommendations – how about finding a local samba bar or wandering the bohemian streets of Santa Teresa?

Is this trip right for you?

This trip involves some long travel days, including an overnight bus. The buses are well-equipped with reclining seats and on-board toilets. We recommend you bring some snacks in case you get hungry.

We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Tuuur style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation may differ from standards at home.

Itinerary

Stay at a Uruguayan ranch and see one of the world’s largest waterfalls

DAY 1
Day 1 • Buenos Aires
Bienvenido! Welcome to Buenos Aires. Your trip begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1 pm – your leader will be waiting in the hotel lobby. Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house), explore antique markets in the picturesque San Telmo area and perhaps have a coffee in the famous Cafe Tortoni. Make sure you're back at the hotel for your welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll prepare for the rest of your adventure.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Colonia del Sacramento
Today, jump on a ferry to cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with one of the country’s oldest cities. The World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico (Old Quarter) is a great place to start. Listen to the noisy parakeets in the Plaza Mayor or comb Colonia’s small museums. For great views, climb to the top of the city’s 19th-century lighthouse that’s still in operation today.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Colonia - Lighthouse visit - UYU35
Colonia - Local Wine & Cheese Tasting - USD20
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Today you'll need to walk around 850 m carrying your luggage from the ferry port to your hotel.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Colonia del Sacramento / Estancia Stay
Today make your way by public transport to an estancia near the area of Mercedes or Tacuarembo where you'll meet your hosts who’ll look after you for the next couple of days. Tonight, enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts and the rural setting rich in history, culture and gaucho traditions.
Accommodation
Estancia (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Estancia Stay - 2-Night Stay on an Estancia
Special information
Tuuur uses two different estancias. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours if staying near Mercedes or approximately 11 hours
if your stay is in the Tacuarembó area.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Estancia Stay
Spend a couple of days experiencing life on a Uruguayan estancia. Although you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with ranch activities, like making fresh empanadas or joining a game of football or volleyball. The digs aren’t fancy, but the surroundings and hospitality are something special. Eat homecooked meals including a traditional asado (barbecue), enjoy music around the campfire and maybe saddle up for a horse ride in true gaucho style.
Accommodation
Estancia (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Optional activities
Estancia - Horse riding - Free
Special information
Tuuur uses two different estancias in the same area. Activities may vary slightly depending on which estancia you are staying at.
Accommodation is dormitory-style, hot water supply can occasionally be inconsistent. If you experience any issues, just let your leader or the accommodation staff know and they’ll be happy to help.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Estancia Stay
Spend another day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Depending on the estancia, you can head out on another horse ride to explore your surroundings or make your way into nearby Mercedes for a river walk and an ice cream or help your host with the roundup of the cows and sheep.
Accommodation
Estancia (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Optional activities
Estancia - Horse riding - Free
Special information
Tuuur uses two different estancias in the same area. Activities may vary slightly depending on which estancia you are staying at.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls
After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and travel to the Uruguay/Argentinian border. Cross the border to Argentina, then prepare for an overnight public bus to Puerto Iguazu – the gateway to Iguazu Falls. There’ll be a chance to grab a light dinner and some snacks before the journey.
Accommodation
Overnight Bus (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Special information
Your travel time today to the bus station will be approximately 1.5 hours (if your estancia is at Mercedes) or 5 hours (if your estancia is at Tacuarembo).
The overnight public bus journey will be approximately 18 hours if you stayed in Mercedes or 14 hours if you stayed at Tacuarembo. It has reclining seats and onboard toilets, though you may want to bring a book or download some podcasts for entertainment. It’s also worth stocking up on snacks and drinking water.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
When you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, jump in a minivan across the border into Brazil and head straight to the national park to stretch your legs and see the mighty Iguazu Falls. After some time spent admiring this force of nature, head to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu, where you have free time for the rest of the day.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian Side of the Falls
Optional activities
Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - USD25
Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - USD145
Special information
Free time for optional activities in the afternoon is dependent on border crossing times.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)
Return to Argentina today to see Iguazu Falls from a different angle. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get so close to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over two km long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 m in height. For a more exhilarating experience, why not take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls? After, head back to your hotel to relax.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian Side of the Falls
Optional activities
Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls (cash only) - USD95
DAY 9
Day 9 • Rio de Janeiro
Today you’ll take a flight to Rio de Janeiro. Settle into your hotel room, then head out with your leader for an orientation walk. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to Copacabana or Ipanema Beach or, if the time of year is right, check out a soccer game at the famous Maracana Stadium. You could also take the tramcar up to the artistic hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, or head up Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20
Rio de Janeiro - Maracana Football Game (Schedule Dependent) - USD100
Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens (Admission Fee) - USD18
Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (Admission Fee) - USD20
Rio de Janeiro - Samba School Rehearsal (october-february) - USD105
Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car (Admission Fee) - USD45
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Be aware that you may be travelling on an indirect service today, and therefore the travel time may be longer. If you arrive in Rio in the evening, optional activities can still be arranged once the trip ends. We recommend extending your time here to get a taste of everything the city has to offer.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Rio de Janeiro
With no activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Rio, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Rio de Janeiro - Adventure & History at Tijuca Forest - USD70
Rio de Janeiro - Tijuca Forest Express Hike - Pedra Bonita - USD65
Rio de Janeiro - Secluded Beaches Hike - Prainha & Grumari - USD90
Rio de Janeiro - Rio Nature Secrets "Eco-City-Tour" - USD90
Rio de Janeiro - Sunset Tour: Sugarloaf, Selaron & Kobra Grafiti - USD85
Rio de Janeiro - Half Day City Tour - USD105
Rio de Janeiro - Full Day City Tour - USD125
Rio de Janeiro - Behind the Scenes Carnival Tour - USD85

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Plane, local bus, ferry, overnight bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Estancia (3 nights), Overnight Bus (1 night)

Included activities

Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk

Estancia Stay - 2-Night Stay on an Estancia

Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian Side of the Falls

Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian Side of the Falls

Optional activities

Colonia - Lighthouse visit - UYU35

Colonia - Local Wine & Cheese Tasting - USD20

Estancia - Horse riding - Free

Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - USD25

Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - USD145

Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls (cash only) - USD95

Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20

Rio de Janeiro - Maracana Football Game (Schedule Dependent) - USD100

Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens (Admission Fee) - USD18

Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (Admission Fee) - USD20

Rio de Janeiro - Samba School Rehearsal (october-february) - USD105

Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car (Admission Fee) - USD45

Rio de Janeiro - Adventure & History at Tijuca Forest - USD70

Rio de Janeiro - Tijuca Forest Express Hike - Pedra Bonita - USD65

Rio de Janeiro - Secluded Beaches Hike - Prainha & Grumari - USD90

Rio de Janeiro - Rio Nature Secrets "Eco-City-Tour" - USD90

Rio de Janeiro - Sunset Tour: Sugarloaf, Selaron & Kobra Grafiti - USD85

Rio de Janeiro - Half Day City Tour - USD105

Rio de Janeiro - Full Day City Tour - USD125

Rio de Janeiro - Behind the Scenes Carnival Tour - USD85

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Oct 23, 2026

Sunday Nov 01, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Oct 30, 2026

Sunday Nov 08, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£2,585£2,326

Friday Nov 06, 2026

Sunday Nov 15, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left

£2,607£2,346

Friday Nov 13, 2026

Sunday Nov 22, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£2,316£2,200

Friday Nov 20, 2026

Sunday Nov 29, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£2,607£2,216

Friday Nov 27, 2026

Sunday Dec 06, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 13 spaces left

£2,519£1,763

Friday Dec 04, 2026

Sunday Dec 13, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£2,409£2,168

Friday Dec 11, 2026

Sunday Dec 20, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£2,453£2,208

Friday Jan 01, 2027

Sunday Jan 10, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 10 spaces left

£2,371

Friday Jan 08, 2027

Sunday Jan 17, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left

£2,530

Friday Jan 15, 2027

Sunday Jan 24, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£2,145

Friday Jan 22, 2027

Sunday Jan 31, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£2,189

Friday Feb 05, 2027

Sunday Feb 14, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 10 spaces left

£2,178

Friday Feb 19, 2027

Sunday Feb 28, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 13 spaces left

£2,079

Friday Feb 26, 2027

Sunday Mar 07, 2027

Trip size max: 16 - 2 spaces left

£2,365

Important notes

1. This trip starts with n Orientation Walk at 1 pm on Day 1 in Buenos Aires. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.

2. This trip ends on Day 10 and you are free to leave at any time.

3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Days 3,4,5 (Estancia) and Day 6 (Overnight Bus) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. Please note you may require a Brazilian Visa for this trip. Processing can take around 2-5 weeks at the discretion of the embassy or consulate. Please speak with your travel agent well in advance for further advice.

5. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for bus tickets, train tickets. or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Reviews (125)

5 stars

104

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Claire

Sep 25, 2026

I loved this trip have made good friends and a whole load of memories. Expect physical activity though I struggled at times

James

Sep 24, 2026

You are all strangers on day one then on the last day you are all family.

Yessenia

Sep 22, 2026

Un viaje realmente inolvidable por Sudamérica. Disfruté de Buenos Aires y la paz de una estancia uruguaya montando a caballo mi caballo Rayo :) con un anfitrión maravilloso. Las majestuosas Cataratas del Iguazú me deslumbraron desde ambos lados (Argentina - Brasil). En Río, gocé un clima perfecto y vi el Cristo Redentor. ¡Hospedajes y guía impecables!

Suzan

Sep 13, 2026

A fabulous trip with an amazing leader, passionate and wanting to share his knowledge.

Sarah

Aug 14, 2026

This was the most amazing trip, our leader Javier was fantastic. It ran so smoothly and we had such fun. The ranch in Uruguay was absolutely brilliant, Juan was the best host. We will remember this forever, thank you so much intrepid!

Sarah

Aug 08, 2026

This trip was excellent and Guilherme our guide was fantastic and so professional. I wouldn’t change anything recommend this trip and our guide to anyone.

Remo

May 25, 2026

Great experience! Well organized

Annette

May 25, 2026

A fabulous trip well organised and well worth doing

Con

May 25, 2026

Having a great guide helped to breathe real life into the itinerary and made the seemingly impossible reachable. Such a pleasure to be on this trip!

Peter

May 14, 2026

The 44 days South America Highlights tour is the longest one I’ve done. It’s a great itinerary and went by quickly, I wish it was even longer!

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